Oman · Desert Safari

Rub al Khali Sunset Safari: Private 4WD Tour

8 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Salalah. Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Private 4WD journey into the Rub al Khali desert
02 Visit UNESCO-listed Wadi Doka frankincense reserve
03 Explore the archaeological site of the lost city of Ubar
04 Pass through historic Thumrait on the ancient frankincense route
05 Experience dune driving on the sands of Al Khadaf
06 Watch the sunset from the top of the dunes
07 Round-trip pickup provided in Salalah

Journey beyond Salalah on a private 4WD adventure into the legendary Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter. This full-day experience combines Dhofar’s frankincense heritage, desert settlements, and archaeological history with the vast beauty of Oman’s dune landscapes.

Along the way, visit UNESCO-listed Wadi Doka and the lost city of Ubar, pass through Thumrait, and continue into the sands of Al Khadaf for an exciting dune drive. End the day with one of the desert’s most memorable moments: sunset over the sweeping dunes of the Empty Quarter.

Journey beyond Salalah on a private 4WD adventure into the legendary Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Salalah, Rub' al Khali

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Wadi Doka

'Qara' mountains. On a road progressively zigzagging up a vertical hill, herds of Camels & Cattle are a commonly spotted on the way which gives a picturesque view of one of Dhofari environments. Stop and visit Wadi Doka in the beginning of Najd (semi-desert) district 35 kilometres north of Salalah towards toward Thumrait (Bedouins settlement). Arrive at this UNESCO registered national reserve that contains 1230 perennial frankincense trees covering an area of 5 km” and have a real experience about this valuable famous tree. In addition to its scented smell, frankincense is also used as a remedial element

Day 02

Thumrait Town

Proceed to Thumrait Town to have a few minutes refreshment and may be enjoying the Taste of Arabian cup of Coffee (Qahwah) and Dates (Tamer). The town of Thumrait has been a vital point in the ancient Frankincense trading routes. Gear up as you head to the next stop of lost city of Ubar archaeological.

Day 03

The lost City of Ubar

Visit the city that has occupied, for centuries, the minds of historians and researchers for lost places, especially because its great reputation, in terms of its treasures, as well as its features that history was unable to forget despite its disappearance for a long time. Since 1930, the first failed attempt of search for the city by Bertram Sidney Thomas (his book- Arabian Felix), the English diplomat and explorer who is the first documented Westerner to cross the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) and in 1940 by Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger another English explorer, whom wrote a book about his journey (Arabian Sands). Until the year 1992, the American researcher Nicolas clap with support of NASA satellites found great archaeological discoveries. Experience the remains of this ancient city and learn about the details of this UNESCO registered valuable history.

Day 04

Dune sand of Al khadaf

Enjoy a safe thrilling experience dune pashing on the beautiful desert sand of Al khadaf. Have an awesome exiting time while our driver takes you through this desert adventure and get an unforgettable memories in this superb tour. Enjoy a fabulous desert sunset from the top of dunes.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Pickup service provided in Salalah. 2 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
All site fees and taxes
Fuel surcharge

What's Not Included

Personal gear (sun hat, flashlight, warm wrap, etc.)
Gratuities (optional)
Any items not clearly listed under “Included”

Know before you go

INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Not recommended for people with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses & sunblock Light jacket recommended for cooler evenings, Moderate fitness level required; hold tight on uneven terrains.
We pick up from any hotel in the region